Maldives Hotels Review

Hotels review - Jo, our Marketing Manager, travelled with James, our South African Product Manager, to the Maldives in July 2009

The marketing pictures do not lie. The sea has not been digitally enhanced it really is varying shades of crystal turquoise. Looking out of the plane window I was transported straight towards the aqua imagining myself lying on my own island under dappled palm tree shade, soft white sand sifting between my toes.

The question is which island should become yours? The Maldives used to be a small fishing community. Now it is home to 87 different island resorts. And once the sea plane roars away it is difficult to escape. If the feel of an island meets your expectations then without doubt the Maldives will be one of your best beach holidays. Seclusion, pure white coral sand, warm clear water, sea views at every turn.

Holidays for me will not be the same for 17 years. James and I have a one year old. With both of us working for Imagine Africa this was a work/holiday trip. Find out about the Maldives, take Baby L and take some time out. We visited a range of resorts, staying at five resorts and visiting four more. Each was different due to size, ethos, staff, quality, food and cost.

In summary, you get what you pay for. We went without knowing the exact price for each resort. At the end we ranked them based on what we thought they should cost and were spot-on.  Beware that five star in the Maldives is not a category on its own. There is top-end five star and bottom-end five star. All Inclusive deals are not offered in many resorts although this is changing. Budget to pay a considerable amount for any extra meals or drinks. Standard $20-25 for burger, $7 for a bottle for beer. Dives cost the same on every island. Activities differed. Snorkelling equipment is sometimes included in your stay.

Click the link below to get my honest opinion on four different resorts. To get the low-down on the others, please email us or call 0207 622 5114.

My opinion on Conrad Rangali

My opinion on Diva

My opinion on Kandooma

My opinion on Medhufushi